JPH0225631B2 - - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an upper body protection device for athletes, particularly those engaged in sports that involve intense movement, such as motorcycle racing, bicycle racing, boat racing, hockey, and roller derby.

Description of the Prior Art Due to its nature, conventional upper body protection devices for athletes have come in various shapes and designs for protecting the shoulders, chest, back, etc. of athletes. Serious action in many sports includes motorcycle racing, bicycle racing, boat racing, hockey,
Requires upper body protection of the type that can be used in roller derby, etc.

While improvements are always desirable in terms of safety, protection is essential when the wearer is protected in all situations where physical contact occurs, including protection against the risk of injury posed by parts of the protective device itself. Improvements in equipment have extremely large effects. It is therefore important for any type of protective device to be structurally such that no danger to the player can be created by parts of the protective device in certain types of strikes. What is disclosed below mainly concerns the case of motorcycle riding;
Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention is equally applicable in other sports where athletes are exposed to similar types of physical hazards.

In many of the types of sports mentioned above, including off-road and cross-country motorcycle racing such as motocross, the need for upper body protection is particularly felt. In off-road motorcycle racing, it is necessary to prevent injuries from accidents and to protect racers from rocks, dust, and other debris thrown up by the wheels of racing motorcycles. A number of structures have been utilized in the past to provide protection, including breast plates, chest protectors, garments made of leather or other heavy materials, and body armor. However, all of these conventional devices cannot be said to provide sufficient protection for the dangerous upper body parts that require protection.

For example, one form of injury that can occur in a motocross environment is from rocks and other debris flying towards the racer. An even more dangerous situation occurs when a motorcyclist is involved in an accident and falls or is thrown from the motorcycle. Injuries of particular concern are trauma to the spine and lower back, areas that are often not protected by conventional upper body protection devices.

Apart from the impact to the shoulders and chest that occurs when a rider falls from a speeding motorcycle, various protrusions and parts of the motorcycle itself, such as handle levers, kickstands, and other sharp or pointed objects, also There is a serious risk that the parts could poke or stab the rider. Additionally, not only can a motorcyclist be injured by his or her own motorcycle, but under typical racing conditions there is a risk that the rider may be injured by the presence of other racers and motorcyclists. Riders also need to be protected from these.

Traditionally used upper body protection devices consist of a protective garment worn under the athlete's outer clothing and a series of layers to provide additional protection to the upper body. However, wearing many layers is cumbersome and
It is heavy, and it also restricts the athletes' physical movements, which are extremely important during racing activities.

There are many devices on the market intended to protect riders from rocks. However, none of these devices is sufficient to protect the shoulder against the effects of sudden impacts. In most cases, traditional devices intended to protect athletes' shoulders are
Since it directly presses the shoulder area in particular that receives the impact, it does not have any effect of efficiently and effectively diffusing and dispersing the impact to reduce the impact force on specific parts of the body. Oui's U.S. Pat. No. 3,867,726 relates to the prior disclosure of shoulder armor for football players, which includes a shoulder cap or shoulder rest hinged to the shoulder of the armor to which lateral forces are applied. It has a flange pocket that protects your shoulders when you fall. Additionally, the front part of the body and the shoulders are flexibly connected. This prior art includes
No means are provided to protect the back from downward, lateral or upward forces or to effectively diffuse impact effects. This prior art also does not provide any integral structure to protect the wearer's sternum or spine.

No. 3,528,106 to Austin relates to the prior art of shoulder armor for football players, in which the inner edge of the shoulder cap or shoulder rest sits in a groove in the shoulder so that the shoulder rest is moved downwardly toward the shoulders of the wearer. It is designed to restrict what can be done. This prior art also does not provide any integral structure or mechanism for dispersing the impact on the wearer's shoulders from any of the various directions.

Other previously developed devices in the field of shoulder cushioning for football players include U.S. Pat. No. 3,158,871, U.S. Pat. No. 3,431,560, and U.S. Pat. . The body protector of these devices is constructed by flexibly connecting the front and back parts of the body to eliminate restrictions on movement. Additionally, these devices typically include a shoulder cap or rest that attaches directly to the shoulder to protect the intersection of the shoulder and upper arm muscles, such as the biflex, triflex, and deltoid muscles, and to prevent exposure of body fluids. I have to. However, because these devices have a flexible connection at the sternum and spine, they do not provide sufficient protection against injury to the sternum or spine, and they do not provide sufficient protection against injuries to the sternum or spine, and they do not provide sufficient protection against injuries of the type encountered by motorcycle riders. This adds the extra risk of injury from ivy objects. Furthermore, these devices do not provide any means to adequately distribute and reduce impact forces on the shoulders.

There is no prior art that provides a lightweight device that does not impede the movements necessary to maneuver racing equipment, such as motorcycles in motocross. Bulky, heavy equipment of the traditional padded type, such as those used in a football player's competition environment, is cumbersome and restricts the player's movement, making it completely unsuitable for use in a motorcycle riding or racing environment. In addition, these devices do not provide the freedom of motion required to maneuver and freely manipulate the handlebars of a motorcycle, bicycle, or boat in a racing arena.

Moreover, the prior art has shown that athletes can achieve higher speeds in sports where efficient airflow and directional airflow are important for reducing wind resistance and obtaining sufficient airflow. , no steps have been taken to recognize the problems associated with traveling at speeds of more than 60 mph per hour in some cases. Unlike the competitive environment for football players, motocross, bicycle competitions,
Competitors in events such as boat races must stop for long periods of time under physical stress and are not given the right to rest each time they play and pull up, or each time they faint or collide. It is recognized that upper body protectors must be worn continuously for long periods of time during races, and that the protectors must withstand the stress of intense attacks, flying debris, heat, and sudden impacts. Must be. Therefore, heavy and bulky upper body protection equipment
It is not structurally suitable for use in such an environment.

Moreover, conventional shoulder protection equipment typically uses a soft outer surface to soften the impact felt by opposing players. however,
This type of construction has the opposite effect in motocross, where rocks strike the upper body at speeds over 60 miles per hour. A flexible surface tends to absorb the force and momentum associated with rock impact, rather than deflecting or directly deflecting the rock away from the wearer's body. Additionally, flexible exterior surfaces tend to allow rocks and debris to accumulate on the surface, allowing debris to impale or remain attached to the rider, adding additional weight and bulk to the rider and impeding rider movement. , resulting in a slowdown of the speed.

Furthermore, these prior art devices are typically constructed of bulky sized leather or other soft, flexible materials. None of these prior art devices have been found to have the means to obtain maximum strength with minimum weight. Such bulkiness prevents these devices from being suitable for motorcycle riders. In addition, this main device has many flaps and interconnections that make it difficult to properly retain the protective device, even though it is not adapted to be worn outside clothing. In addition, protective outer clothing, such as a jersey, must be worn.

Conventional such shoulder and upper body protection devices have complex reinforcing structures that increase material requirements and are extremely expensive to manufacture due to the use of structurally highly complex interconnections. Become something.

In addition to the aforementioned problems, such as increased manufacturing costs and lack of durability due to device complexity, these conventional upper body protection devices are often uncomfortable to wear. Many collars are sharp and protrude, causing discomfort. Additionally, these conventional devices are highly undesirable due to their heavy weight and lack of ventilation, which results in body heat emanating from the underside of the device when worn.

After all, conventional upper body protection devices provide maximum strength, protection and comfort with minimal weight, yet are sturdy enough to adequately protect the upper body from sharp impacts from sharp objects. It cannot be said that they provide convenient equipment.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the invention to provide an upper body protection device configured to give the wearer maximum freedom of movement.

Another object of the present invention is to diffuse the impact applied to the shoulder area from all directions upward, downward and laterally, thereby uniformly distributing the impact and reducing the force of the impact.
To provide an upper body protection device having a structure including a shoulder locking mechanism that minimizes trauma and injury caused by impact.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an upper body protection device constructed to protect the upper body from flying debris and other objects typically encountered by athletes during high speed competition in a variety of terrain, topography, and driving conditions. There is a particular thing.

Still another object of the present invention is to avoid sudden bruises and impacts caused by sharp objects encountered by athletes while participating in competitions, such as kickstands, handle levers, motorcycle parts, tree branches, fence posts, sharp rocks, etc. An object of the present invention is to provide an upper body protection device having a structure that protects the sternum and back column of the wearer.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a construction that is strong enough to withstand sudden impacts, deflect fast moving sharp objects, and provide maximum protection to the upper body, yet is as lightweight as possible. The purpose of the present invention is to provide an upper body protection device.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an upper body protection device configured to provide maximum ventilation and air flow to the wearer.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an upper body protection device configured to minimize wind resistance applied to the wearer while running at high speed in racing or similar environments.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide an upper body protection device that is comfortable to wear for long periods of time and has a structure that minimizes abrasions and other physical discomfort.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an upper body protection structure that can be worn over the wearer's clothes, is easy to put on, does not cause much inconvenience when removed, and can also be worn under the wearer's clothes. The goal is to provide equipment.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an upper body protection device that increases the coverage of the upper torso of the front and back of the body and strengthens the protection of the lower back.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an upper body protection device that is convenient to use and has a structure that is durable and reliable.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an upper body protection device that is simple to manufacture and can be manufactured efficiently at a low cost.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide an upper body protection device that is less bulky, has a more attractive appearance, and has an aesthetically pleasing structure.

Other objects of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

The upper body protection device of the present invention comprises a semi-rigid integral upper torso shield having a chest plate, a back plate, and a shoulder plate, each of which harmoniously covers the chest, back, and shoulders. It is characterized by The shoulder flap is hinged to the upper fuselage shield so that the shoulder flap overlaps the shoulder;
The shoulder flap is laterally movable in an arcuate path between the uppermost section and the lowermost section.
The shoulder cap or rest is hinged to the shoulder flap.

A locking device connects to the shoulder and the shoulder flap to secure the shoulder flap to the fixed lowermost portion and is adapted to disperse downward impacts on the shoulder flap, thereby reducing forces on the wearer's shoulders. In addition, a restraining device is provided that hinges the shoulder flap to the shoulder, and prevents the shoulder flap and the shoulder rest from compressing the wearer's shoulders when the shoulder flap reaches its uppermost position due to a lateral impact. ing.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the locking device comprises a shoulder flap having a ridge and a shoulder having an abutment that engages the ridge when the shoulder flap is in its lowest position. ing. The restraining device includes a webbing connector fixed to the underside of the shoulder flap, and the webbing connector is of a predetermined length, and is designed to restrain shock from being applied to the shoulder when the shoulder flap reaches its uppermost position. There is.

The shoulder flaps may be connected by rivets, and the webbing connectors may be secured in place by sutures and rivets.

Other embodiments include a back plate portion having an integral longitudinally extending central portion adapted to cover the wearer's spine. The chest plate portion is equipped with reinforcing ribs of various thicknesses for reinforcing strength.

The chest, back and shoulder pads have louvers with slats that reduce ventilation and reduce wind resistance, with the slats extending downward and inward to encourage the wearer to lean forward while riding a motorcycle. It is sloping.

The shoulder rest is hinged to the shoulder flap in front of the shoulder flap's lateral center and is adapted to protect the wearer's shoulders and the front of the arm.

The present invention also includes a method of manufacturing an upper body protection device, one method comprising forming a semi-rigid unitary upper torso shield having a chest section, a back section, and a shoulder section, and forming the upper torso shield. It consists of connecting a shoulder flap to the body so that the shoulder flap is movable in an arcuate path between the uppermost part and the lowermost part, and hingedly connecting a shoulder cap or shoulder rest to the shoulder flap. The shoulder flap is molded with a ridge, and the shoulder is molded with an abutment that engages the ridge when the shoulder flap is at its lowest position. The preferred method of molding the upper torso shield and shoulder pads is by injection molding. Pads are glued to the inner surface of the upper fuselage shield, and a form is formed and attached to the neck roll to form its edge pads.

In describing the preferred embodiments of the invention that are illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be used for the sake of clarity. However, the present invention is not limited to the specific terms used, and each specific term includes all technical equivalents that are equally effective to accomplish the same purpose. It should be understood.

Referring to the drawings, FIGS. 1 to 16 show an upper body protection device 100, which includes an upper torso shield 1000 and a pair of shoulder flaps 20.
00 and a pair of shoulder caps or shoulder rests 3000.

The upper torso shield 1000 includes a chest plate part 1200, a back plate part 1400, and a shoulder plate part 1000, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Upper fuselage shield 1
000 is constructed from a semi-rigid material such as polyethylene or other suitably lightweight and strong plastic. Chest plate part 1200, back plate part 140
0 and shoulders 1600 are adapted to harmoniously surround and surround the wearer's chest, back, and shoulders, respectively. Upper fuselage shield 1000 is preferably a unitary construction of substantially unitary construction. Chest plate part 12
00, the back plate part 1400 and the shoulder part 1600 are rigidly fixed to each other to form a substantially U-shaped longitudinal section, which harmoniously surrounds the upper torso and also covers the wearer's chest, ribcage, and clavicle in the front position. It also protects the wearer's shoulder flaps, rib spine, spine, and lower back.

Chest section 1200, as shown in FIG. Constructed of rigid plastic material. The solid construction provides maximum protection for the sternum and upper chest, which encase the heart and other vital internal organs. Chest plate part 1200
The device further includes lower protection members 1224 and 1226, which are positioned above and protect the left and right front thoracic regions, respectively. A central slit 1228 is provided to form an inverted V-shaped separation zone with an apex 1230 at approximately the lower end of the wearer's sternum. This slit is in the chest area 1
It extends approximately 1/2 to 3/4, preferably approximately 2/3, upwardly from the lower end 1231 of 200. Chest plate 1
A pad 1 covering about 1/3 of the upper part of the slit 1228 is placed about 1/2 upward from the lower end 1231 of the slit 1228 and about 2/3 upward from the lower end of the slit 1228.
240 are provided. Pad 1240 is V
Left side member 12 forming a letter-shaped slit 1228
34 and right side member 1236. As best seen when viewing FIGS. 6 and 3 together, the pad 1240 has portions 1242, 1244 that extend further around the lower left side 1238 and the lower right end 1239 of the chest plate 1200.
The pad 1240 is made of a flexible and elastic material, and is preferably used for the chest plate 1240 as shown in FIG.
It is glued to the back side 1250 of 00.

Further, as shown in FIG. 6, pads 1240 are fixed along lower inner edges 1262, 1264 of chest plate portion 1200. There is also a padding portion 1266 secured to each side of the slit to provide additional integral padding coverage over the lower sternum and solar plexus. Slit 1 of this pad itself
248 has the effect of increasing the wearer's freedom of movement while operating the motorcycle, as well as improving air circulation.

As shown in FIG. 7, a lower member 1270 is provided in which a fixing member 1292 for securely holding the chest plate portion to the wearer's chest is disposed.

As you can clearly see in Figures 15 and 16, chest plate 1
A large number of louvers 1300 each having a generally rectangular shape are provided on both left and right sides of the front surface of the louver 200 . These louvers are shown generally rectangular in shape. Preferably, rows of small louvers 1302 are provided to form a pattern that maximizes air flow. A series of elongated rectangular louvers 1340 is provided below the row of small louvers 1302. Further, an upper louver 1306 is provided directly below the chest plate part 1222 of the chest plate part 1200. Furthermore, as shown in FIG.
304 is sloped inwardly and downwardly by slats or fins 1310.

Conventional louvers are typically sloped outward and downward to prevent water and other substances from entering.
However, in the present invention, the slats 1310 are sloped inwardly and downwardly to allow air to enter. This is extremely important. That is, during sports competitions, especially during motorcycle races, the body temperature of athletes becomes extremely high, and maximizing ventilation is a critical requirement in sports competitions. In addition, since motorcycle racing and riding require wearing upper body protection equipment for long periods of time, prevention of excessive body heat accumulation is extremely important. The fins also provide maximum ventilation by slanting the slats 1310 as described above. This means that when the wearer is in riding mode, the wearer typically leans forward and
This is because the axis "h" of each fin 1310 will be at a horizontal or other position parallel to the traveling direction of the wearer riding a motorcycle or the like. When driving at high speeds, such as in excess of 60 miles per hour, locating the slats parallel to the direction of travel minimizes the surface area of the louvers, thereby reducing the resistance of the upper body protection device to the wind. Maximizes air flow and intake. The upper louver 1306 does not have a downward inward slope, but acts as an outlet for air flowing into the wearer's chest through the chest plate. In addition, as shown in FIG. 3, the upper louver 13
Additional louvers 1314, 1316 are provided on the breastplate member 1222 above the 06 to provide additional ventilation and reduce wind resistance.

17 and 18, a cover 1398 of a suitable material, such as plastic, is formed to a corresponding shape and size and is press-fittable. It's getting old. The cover 1398 has a pair of tabs 1399 that fit into the two lowest louvers 1305 shown in FIG. 15, and slots that fit the ribs 1307 shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 to fix the cover in place. 1397. and,
A removal means 1395 such as a finger hole is provided to allow the cover 1398 to be removed. This allows the wearer to snap the cover 1398 over the louvers 1300 to prevent air movement during cold weather.

As shown in FIG. 9, the structure of the breastplate part includes a raised molded part 1274 and a thickness change 127.
2, a lightweight and solid breastplate member 122
The second material is designed to provide additional strength.

The back plate portion 1400 is of substantially unitary construction, as shown in FIG. A longitudinally extending solid portion 1402 extends a central length and is adapted to protect the wearer's back column. There are no flexible connections as found in conventional protection devices. The nearly solid, unitary central section with no joints reduces the risk of injury to the spine from behind by sharp or hard objects typically encountered during motorcycle racing. The solid center section is effectively solid in the sense that there are no folds or slits for objects to pass through, but the louvers 130
0 is set. Like the louvers on the chest,
The louvers on the back plate are also slanted downward and inward, and are positioned to reduce wind resistance to the wearer while riding the motorcycle and to provide maximum ventilation.

In a preferred configuration, the back plate portion 1400 is shaped to comfortably surround the wearer's back, with the upper back portions 1412 and 1414 forming a lower back portion 14.
16,1414. Slits 1420, 1422 may then be provided that extend longitudinally parallel to the spine. The slits 1402, 1422 are long and narrow to provide flexibility, but without the defects commonly found in joints. Back plate part 140
Additional pad 1452,
1454 are provided. The pad is attached by conventional means such as glue or other pad attachment methods.

The padding material, preferably the same throughout the device, is a soft, resilient, shock-absorbing material that increases wearer comfort. For example, it can be constructed of a tension flexible fabric filled with polyethylene foam and attached to the back plate. Patsudo 1424,
1426 is mounted along inwardly extending members 1428, 1430 as shown in FIG. Similarly, the pad 1266 of the breastplate is attached along the inwardly bulging convex member 1280 of the breastplate 1200, as shown in FIG.

Shoulder 1600 is generally U-shaped as shown in FIG.
The left shoulder part 1605 and the right shoulder part 1 have a shape that comfortably covers both the left and right shoulders of the wearer.
607. In the following description of shoulders, reference will be made to shoulder 1600, but this also applies to both left and right shoulders 1605 and 1607. The shoulders are rigidly connected to the chest section 1200 and the back section 1400 by rigid solid connections, thereby forming an integral upper torso shield. The chest, back and shoulders can be molded in a single piece mold as in conventional plastic injection molding techniques. Another suitable method of integrally forming the upper fuselage shield is to attach the shoulders using rivets 1610 as shown in FIG.

As can be clearly seen from Figures 4 and 6, the shoulder 160
0 is preferably the same material as the back plate part and the front plate part,
It is preferably constructed of a plastic material of suitable rigidity, yet rigid enough to withstand impact and large forces. Netskurollpad 1620
The inner circumferential portion 1609 of the shoulder portion, the inner circumferential portion 1490 of the back plate portion 1400, and the inner circumferential portion 129 of the chest plate portion 1200.
It is attached to 0. The chest plate portion 1200 has upper shoulder areas 1284, 12
86 is bent inward toward slit 1228. Shoulder 1600 located above shoulder areas 1284 and 1286 is located above areas 1630 and 163.
2, it bends outward to cover and protect the upper part of the shoulder, that is, the clavicle and scapula. The neck roll pad 1620 may be constructed of molded foam, which provides additional protection as described above, as well as having the effect of increasing comfort.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 7, the back plate portion 1400
has a side strap 149 on its lower outer edge.
2, 1494, which may be secured by conventional fastening members 1292, 1294, shown as buckles, mounted on edge straps 1270 connected to chest portion 1200. can. The webbing connector for connecting each of the above-mentioned members can be attached by appropriate means. for example,
Stitching, riveting, or other suitable conventional means may be used. Connection part, 1496, 1498
includes buckles and rivets provided on the back plate portion 1400. Flap 1270 is rivet 129
This can be connected to the front plate part 1200 by 6,1298. While FIGS. 1 and 2 show one embodiment of the edge flap, FIG.
271 is shown. This side panel section is
Preferably, it is formed integrally with the edge flap 1270 and extends from the chest section 1200 to the back section 1400 to completely cover the wearer's flanks, thereby increasing the protective effect. A pair of loops 1273 can be attached to side panel 1271 and threaded through connectors 1492, 1494 before being secured by members 1292, 1294.

Further explaining the back plate portion 1400, the eighth
As shown, the back portion 1450 of the back plate has ribs 1400 extending vertically along the center of the inner surface 1450 of the back plate and forming a series of rows across the back plate. It includes transverse ribs 1442 that extend parallel to each other, and these ribs also cover the spine. The ribs 1440 and 1442 increase the strength and stability of the back plate portion, and also enhance the rigidity and enhance the protection effect on the spine portion. Moreover, the lightness, which is extremely important in the present invention, is not impaired in the slightest.

As best seen in FIGS. 11, 12, 13 and 14, the shoulder flap 2000 is hinged to the upper fuselage shield 1000. A pair of shoulder flaps 2000 are provided for both left and right shoulders. In the following description of the flaps, reference will be made to one of these flaps, but since the pair of flaps are disposed opposite each other, the description of one flap applies equally to the other flap. Shoulder flap 200
0 has a generally U-shaped cross-section with a shoulder 1600
It is formed so that it overlaps easily.

The shoulder flap 2000 has a front flap portion 2010 and a back flap portion 2012, as shown in FIG. Front flap part 2010
is hinged to the chest portion 1200 by a suitable connector such as a pin or rivet. The back flap portion 2012 is connected to the back plate portion 140 by a suitable hinged connector such as a rivet or pin.
Connected to 0.

As seen in Figure 5, the shoulder flap 2
000 is variable thickness contour edge 2018, 2020
It has added rigidity and strength. Furthermore, recesses 2022 and 2024 are provided on the front and rear surfaces, respectively, to increase the strength of the shoulder flap and improve its resistance to wind. The materials used are
Rigid flexible plastic material with adequate strength to withstand sudden impacts and falls from motorcycles;
Preferably, it is made of the same material as that used for the entire upper fuselage shield.

Shoulder flap 2000 is superimposed over shoulder 1600. This shoulder flap 200
0 is laterally movable in an arcuate path between the uppermost section and the lowermost section. The uppermost portion is shown in FIG. 11 and the lowermost portion is shown in FIG. 12, which will be briefly explained in the following description.

Shoulder flap 2000 has an upper surface 2040 and a lower surface 2042, respectively. Bottom part 2
042 is a ridge 205 extending substantially parallel to the inner edge 2052 of the shoulder flap 2000.
0 (see FIG. 14). Ritsuji 205
0 is a raised portion on the lower surface of the shoulder flap 2000, which has a shape suitable for abutting against another surface. The underside of the shoulder flap also includes underside recesses 2022, 2024 that are provided to increase the strength and stability of the shoulder flap structure.

As shown in FIG.
It has 2. The contour of the abutment surface 1650 has a shape that corresponds to the formation of the ridge 2050, and these two surfaces form a mating surface or a mating surface that is an interference fit with each other. The contact surface is the first
When viewed from above in FIG. 3, it has an arc shape, which corresponds to the arc shape of the ridge 2050 shown in FIG. 14. The center 1660 of the arc of the contact surface 1650 in plan view is
It is located at a point at a distance height "d" in the forward direction from the intermediate axis "X" of the upper fuselage shield 1000 shown in FIG. This configuration has important implications, as will be explained below regarding the operation of the mechanism.

Referring to FIG. 11, the shoulder cap or shoulder rest 3000 is connected to the shoulder flap 2000.
It is hinged to. This shoulder rest is formed into a curved or rounded shape so that it can be worn while covering the soft muscles 2, 3, and deltoid muscles of the upper arm, and has the role of preventing exposure of body fluids. Also,
This shoulder rest also covers the other end of the shoulder and is constructed of the same material as the rest of the upper torso shield. That is, it is made of a plastic material that is lightweight and has sufficient strength to withstand sudden shocks and blows.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the shoulder rest is equipped with louvers 3010 and 3012 that have a ventilation function for the upper arm. Similar to the louvers used in the upper fuselage shield, some of these louvers or intake holes are sloped downward and inward to maximize ventilation and air flow while reducing wind resistance for athletes during motorcycle races. We are starting to be able to increase it. As shown in FIG. 3, a strap member 3020 is provided;
The shoulder rest is designed to be comfortably held on the wearer's arm. The strap member is made of an elastic material or other suitable material, and is sewn or sewn as shown in FIG.
It is attached by rivets or other conventional means 3022. The end 3024 of the shoulder rest 3000 is slightly tapered to provide an additional means of holding the strap in place without significantly restricting arm movement.

As shown in Figures 11, 12 and 13, the shoulder rest 3
000 is hinged to shoulder flap 2000 by a flexible webbing connector. The webbing connector 3100 can be constructed of any suitable conventional material that is flexible and strong and that provides a hinged connection between the shoulder rest 3000 and the shoulder 2000. Suitable coupling means include the connector 3100 in the form of a strap or strip, sutures and rivets 3102, 3104.
Shoulder rest 3000 and shoulder flap 200
Each can be connected to 0. As shown in FIG. 4, the location of the connecting means 3104 in the form of a rivet is not on the lateral central axis "X" but in a forward position of that axis. Therefore, the hinge connection means is located at the lowest point 3104 of shoulder flap 2000, rather than at the uppermost end 2078 of shoulder flap 2000 as shown in FIG. By connecting in this manner, the shoulder rest 3000 is positioned in front of the intermediate axis at the center, as shown in FIGS. 4, 7, 9, and 10. This configuration is extremely important in a motorcycle racing environment. Extreme care must be taken to protect the upper arms and shoulders from rocks, debris, and other dangerous impacts that may fly from the front of the wearer during motorcycle racing. Therefore, the shoulder rest 3000 is worn on the arm such that the rear edge 3030 is located approximately on the central intermediate axis "X" and the front edge 3040 is located approximately in front of the central axis of the body fluid bone portion of the arm. The design is designed to protect the upper and front of the upper arm. In this way the protection of the front side can be improved.

The mounting member 1602 of the shoulder portion 1600 has a first
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 12, a restraint device 2100 is connected which is further connected to the shoulder flap 2000 at the other end of the mounting member. In a preferred embodiment, attachment member 1603 includes:
It can be constructed with the same rivets 3104 used to attach the connector 3100 that holds the shoulder rest 3000 to the shoulder flap 2000. The restraint device 2100 can be constructed from a webbing connector 2100 of suitable strength and flexibility. Preferably, the strap or strip is constructed of a strong material capable of withstanding the force of a sudden blow or impact. Webbing connector 21
00 can be attached by conventional means such as sutures, rivets 1602, 1603, etc. as in the preferred embodiment.

Regarding the action, for example, when the wearer encounters an injury such as a sudden impact or blow, a downward impact is applied to the outermost portion of the shoulder flap 2000. For example, if the rider falls off the motorcycle and falls to the ground, a large downward force is applied to the shoulder flap 2000 at this time. At this time, as shown in FIG. 12, the shoulder flap makes a pivoting movement, draws an arc in the lateral direction, and reaches the lowest position. At the lowest point, a sudden impact forces the ridge 2050 of the shoulder flap 2000 toward the abutment surface 1650 of the shoulder 1600, as shown in FIG. Ritsuji 2050 and contact surface 165
The 0's are shaped to correspond to each other and are designed to fit tightly together when pressed against each other in the type of blows, rough contact, and bumps encountered in a motorcycle racing environment, so they lock into each other. They touch each other, but do not move any further, and do not proceed further on the arc. This moves the shoulder flap to its lower fixed position, thus protecting the shoulder. Due to the locking action caused by the rib 2050 being pressed against the contact surface 1650, the shoulder flap 200
The impact applied to the ridge 2050 is effectively diffused and dispersed to the entire surface of the ridge 2050 and the pivot points 2014 and 2016 on the chest section 1200 and the back section 1400, respectively. This has the excellent effect of effectively reducing the impact and dispersing the force at one point on the wearer's body, increasing safety.

Moreover, as shown in FIG. 12, the restraining device 2100 does not operate at the lower limit portion, and is in a state of hanging loosely so as not to prevent freedom of movement.
The swiveling movement of the shoulder flaps in a transverse arcuate path maximizes freedom of movement so that the wearer experiences little discomfort or inconvenience, yet is protected from shocks and other hard contact. Provides limited protection. Furthermore, even if additional shocks, forces, or tensile effects are applied to the shoulder rest 3000, those forces will be transferred to the webbing connector 3100.
The shock is then transmitted to the shoulder flap via the locking mechanism and then dispersed through the aforementioned locking action, resulting in a significant weakening of the impact. A significant advantage of the present invention over the prior art is that the shoulder rest 3000 does not support the shoulder portion 16 as is typically found in conventional upper body protection devices.
00, but rather to the shoulder flap 2000 as described above. Therefore, the present invention achieves many excellent effects not found in conventional upper body protection devices.

Regarding the operation of the present invention, when a sudden impact, blow, or strong contact occurs upwardly or laterally with respect to the wearer of the upper body protection device, in this case, the shoulder flap comes to the upper limit position. When a lateral or upward force is applied, the shoulder flap moves in an arc, causing the restraint device 2100 to
This movement continues until a tension is created between 602 and the shoulder flap attachment member. Since the restraining device 2100 has only a predetermined length, the impact and strength of the shoulder flap 2000 on the shoulder portion 1600 is restrained. Therefore, the restraining device 2000 restrains the shoulder flap 2000 from compressing the wearer's shoulder via the shoulder portion 1600, and holds the shoulder flap 2000 at a position corresponding to the upper limit position. The shoulder flap may make slight contact 2101 with the shoulder, but the restraint device 2
100 and the pivot points 2014, 2016 essentially exert a restraining action and force is applied to the restraining device 2100. In addition, when upward or lateral forces are applied to the shoulder rest 3000 itself, the limited length of the webbing connector 3100 limits movement of the wearer's arm and therefore the shoulder rest 3000 to the shoulder flap 2000. It is retained by the upper surface 3001 of the shoulder rest impinging on the lower surface 2042, thereby inhibiting upward movement of the shoulder rest and preventing risk of injury to the wearer's arms.
Furthermore, the shoulder rest 3000 has shoulder flap 2.
The forward connection of the 000's lateral intermediate axis "X" provides high protection against frontal impacts and sudden strikes typically encountered in a motocross environment.

A preferred method for manufacturing the upper body protection device of the present invention is to mold a semi-rigid upper torso shield in the form of a chest section, a back section, and a shoulder section. injection molding using a suitable plastic or other polyethylene material with a The shoulder flap and shoulder rest are also molded in the same manner, preferably by injection molding.

As previously discussed, structures of embodiments of the present invention provide substantial protection and strength while maintaining a lightweight structure that provides long-term wear comfort while increasing freedom of movement for the wearer. This is what we provide. Furthermore, increased protection is achieved due to the rigid monolithic construction of the upper fuselage shield and the locking and restraining devices for effective dispersion of impact forces.

Figures 19, 20 and 21 show three embodiments of a locking mechanism according to the invention, each with a shoulder 16.
00 only, shoulder part 1600 and chest plate part 120
There are two types of configurations: one with only 0 and one with only back plate portion 1400. As a means of fixing the device to the athlete's body, straps 996,
Conventional means such as a buckle 997 are provided.

Further, as shown in FIG. 19, in another embodiment,
The shoulder section 1600 has a front section 2014 and a back section 2016.
The front and rear flap portions 2010 and 2012 of the shoulder flap 2000 can be swingably connected to these by a hinged connector 2014 on the front side and a hinged connector 2016 on the back side. These connectors are preferably of the rivet type. Further, as shown in FIG. 20, in another embodiment, only the configuration of the back portion 2016 is shown. The front flap portion 2010 is connected to the chest plate portion 1200. On the contrary, the 21st
In the illustrated embodiment, since the back side flap part 2012 is connected to the back plate part 1400, the front part 201
Only 4 was shown.

Although the present invention has been illustrated and described based on specific preferred embodiments in this specification, various changes and modifications may be made to the present invention without departing from the spirit of the invention as described and illustrated herein. This will be fully understood by those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications are deemed to fall within the spirit of the invention, and therefore the description and accompanying drawings are illustrative of the preferred embodiments of the invention and are not intended to be construed as such. It is not intended to be limiting in spirit or scope.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a preferred embodiment of an upper body protection device according to the present invention. 2 is a rear perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1; FIG. FIG. 3 is a front view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a plan view of the embodiment shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a rear view of the embodiment shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a cutaway view of the inner surface of the chest plate portion of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 7 is a side view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, including a side panel. FIG. 8 is a cutaway view of the inner surface of the back plate portion of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 taken along line 9--9. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 taken along line 10--10. 11 is a diagrammatic front perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 3, with the shoulder flap in its uppermost position; FIG. 12 is a diagrammatic, partially cutaway front perspective view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1, with the shoulder flap in its lowermost position; FIG. 13th
The figure is a diagrammatic front view of the embodiment of FIG. 1, with the shoulder flap and shoulder rest removed. FIG. 14 is a bottom view of the shoulder flap shown in FIG. 11. FIG. 15 is a partially cutaway front view of the embodiment of FIG. 1, showing the shape of the louver. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 15--15 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 15. FIG. 17 is a front view of one embodiment of the lower cover according to the present invention. FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional side view of the cover shown in FIG. 17. FIG. 19 is a side view of an alternative embodiment consisting only of shoulders. FIG. 20 is a side view of another embodiment consisting only of a shoulder portion and a chest plate portion. Second
FIG. 1 is a side view of another embodiment consisting only of a shoulder portion and a back plate portion.

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] 1. A semi-rigid torso upper shield having a chest plate portion, a back plate portion, and a main shoulder portion having left and right shoulder portions, the chest plate portion conforming to the wearer's chest. The back plate portion is configured to conform to and embrace the wearer's chest and lower back, and the shoulder portion is configured to conform to and embrace the wearer's shoulders. a pair of shoulder flaps are hingedly connected to the upper fuselage shield so that each of the shoulder flaps overlaps each of the left and right shoulders, and the shoulder flap has an arcuate passage between an upper limit portion and a lower limit portion; An upper body protection device, comprising: a movable shoulder rest, and a pair of shoulder rests each hinged to the shoulder flap. 2. A locking device is provided which cooperates with each of the left and right shoulder portions and each of the shoulder flaps to fix each of the shoulder flaps to a fixed portion corresponding to the lower limit portion, thereby dispersing the downward impact applied to each of the shoulder flaps. The upper body protection device according to claim 1, wherein the upper body protection device is configured to reduce the force exerted on the wearer's shoulders due to the impact. 3. Claim 2, wherein the locking device includes a ridge on the shoulder flap, left and right shoulder portions, and an abutment surface that engages with the respective ridge when each shoulder flap is at the lower limit position. Sectional equipment. 4. A restraining device is provided on each of the left and right shoulders to hingely connect each of the shoulder flaps,
3. The upper body protection device according to claim 2, wherein the shoulder flaps are restrained from pressing on the wearer's shoulders when the shoulder flaps are at the upper limit position. 5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein each said shoulder flap is hingedly connected to said upper fuselage shield by a rivet. 6. The restraining device includes a webbing connector fixed to a lower surface of each of the shoulder flaps, and the webbing connector has a predetermined length, so that when each of the shoulder flaps is at the upper limit position, each of the left and right shoulder flaps is 5. The device according to claim 4, wherein the device is configured to suppress impact from being applied to each of the shoulder portions. 7. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein each of said shoulder rests is hinged to said shoulder flap by respective webbing connectors secured to the underside of each of said shoulder flaps. 8. The apparatus of claim 6 or claim 7, wherein each said webbing connector is secured in place by sutures and rivets. 9. The device of claim 1, wherein the back plate portion includes a longitudinally extending solid central portion adapted to cover the wearer's spine. 10. The device of claim 1, further comprising left and right devices for adjustably attaching the back plate portion to the front plate portion, thereby making it possible to securely hold the device on the wearer's chest. 11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein each of said shoulder rests is provided with an adjustable arm strap to securely hold said shoulder rest on each arm of the wearer. 12. The device of claim 10, wherein said left and right adjustable attachment devices each include said side panels extending from said chest region to said back region to cover each side of the wearer. 13. An upper torso shield having a chest plate part, a back plate part, and left and right shoulder parts adapted to fit and cover the chest, back, and shoulders of the wearer; and hinges on the left and right shoulders of the upper torso shield. An upper body protection device comprising a pair of connected shoulder flaps and a pair of shoulder rests each attached to the shoulder flaps with a hinge. 14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the upper fuselage shield is of unitary construction without joints. 15. The device of claim 13, wherein the chest plate portion includes a variable thickness reinforcement. 16. The device of claim 13, wherein the chest plate has an inverted V-shaped central slit. 17. The device of claim 13, wherein the chest portion includes louvers for controlling ventilation. 18. The device of claim 13, wherein said chest plate has an inner surface pad. 19. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the back plate portion includes louvers. 20. The device of claim 13, wherein said back plate portion has an extending lower end portion adapted to conform to and cover a lower back portion. 21. The device of claim 13, wherein the back plate portion has reinforcing ribs. 22. The louvers control ventilation and include slats that reduce wind resistance, the slats being sloped downwardly and inwardly so that when the wearer is in a forward leaning position, the slats are in a horizontal position, thereby controlling ventilation. 20. The device of claim 17 or 19, configured to increase wind resistance and reduce wind resistance. 23 Claim 1 comprising a cover device that blocks the flow of air passing through the louver.
Apparatus according to paragraph 7 or paragraph 19. 24. Each of the shoulder rests is hinged to a respective shoulder flap at a position forward of the lateral central axis of each shoulder flap, so that each shoulder rest protects the wearer's shoulder and the front of each arm. 14. The apparatus of claim 13, characterized in that: 25 A patent in which each of the shoulder rests has a louver arranged so that when the wearer is in a forward leaning position, the slats of the louver are in a position parallel to the running direction, increasing the amount of air intake and reducing wind resistance. The apparatus of claim 13. 26 A shoulder portion having left and right shoulder portions that adapt to and embrace the wearer's shoulders, each of the shoulder portions having a front portion and a back portion, and a pair of shoulder flaps each overlapping the shoulder portion, respectively. The shoulder flaps are provided hingedly connected to the front and back portions, and each of the shoulder flaps is movable in an arcuate path between the upper limit position and the lower limit position, and a pair of shoulder flaps are respectively hingedly connected to the respective shoulder flaps. Upper body protection device consisting of a shoulder rest. 27. The device of claim 26, further comprising a chest plate part integral with the front part of each shoulder part adapted to accommodate and cover the wearer's chest. 28. The device of claim 26, having a back portion integral with the back portion of each of the shoulders adapted to accommodate and cover the chest and lower back of the wearer. 29. Molding a semi-rigid upper torso shield adapted to fit and cover the wearer's chest, back, left and right shoulders, respectively; and superimposing a pair of shoulder flaps on the left and right shoulders; connecting each of the shoulder flaps to the left and right shoulders by hinges so that each shoulder flap can move in an arcuate path between an upper limit position and a lower limit position; and connecting a shoulder rest to each shoulder flap by hinges. A method for manufacturing an upper body protection device comprising: 30 Forming a ridge on the lower surface of the shoulder flap, and forming an abutment part on the upper surface of each of the left and right shoulders, so that when each shoulder flap moves downward, the ridge is formed in each of the abutment parts. 30. The method of claim 29, comprising the step of: 31. The method according to claim 30, wherein the molding step is injection molding. 32. The method of claim 29, including the step of adding a pad to the inner surface of the upper body shield. 33 The hinge connection of the shoulder flaps to the left and right shoulders includes riveting the front portion of each shoulder flap to the chest plate portion and riveting the other end portion of each shoulder flap to the back plate portion. Claim 2 containing
The method described in Section 9. 34. The method of claim 29, wherein the upper fuselage shield is provided with a louver that slopes downwardly and inwardly.